Because Summer comes but once a year, and when it does come the sun shines . . well, about once a year . . . then when we’re blessed with a few warming ways, what better way to while away a lazy Tuesday evening but with lounging around the enormous outdoor swimming pool at the lido in Brockwell Park.

Admittedly, you may think that hanging at a lido doesn’t sound like great fun, but let me alter you view. First, there’s a swimming lane, which means you can get some exercise and feel worthy. Second, there’s an enormous area to swim and play, so you can muck about with mates without banging into people. And third, there’s always a good crowd of people here, so there’s a buzz in the air.

So get your swimmies on and head over to the park for some summer fun. Hurry, while stocks (sun) last!! . . . (£5.20 adult, children under 5 swim for free).

It’s a brilliant park and much bigger than expected. A stroll round the perimeter is a decent walk. The playground is well equipped but a bit noisy so I avoid that bit on my hunt for a peaceful amble. On top of the hill there is a cafe where you can get a Nescafe(!) and a really really tasty lasagna and chips or similar fare. Good cakes too. The only problem is it’s a mecca for all the yuppie mothers of Herne Hill and it’ll be crammed with prams, yelling babies and gossiping mums. It’s quite an earful, and there’s no escape from it, unless it’s sunny and you take your plate over onto the grass. If it is sunny though, take a picnic and avoid the stress altogether. There’s great views over London from up there and you can feel like you’re right out of the rat-race.

Considering its position next to Brixton, Brockwell Park is surprisingly nice really. It’s undulating, with sweeps of grass, pleasant ponds and some nice gardens. There’s a lovely walled garden with benches to sit on (some of which are past sitting on it has to be said). There’s also a café which looks excellent, in a nice old building with an airy feel inside. It looks like it is set up to appeal to Brixton’s trendier residents.

The park also has some parts were the grass has been left to grow a little longer, and wood left out to rot for the wildlife (I assume this is what’s happening with the ‘wood ring’ see pictures).

Though not so immaculately tended as some parks, that’s not all bad. Runners might find the undulations make for a more challenging run. Overall it’s a lovely park, with a really relaxing feel.

Brockwell park is just lovely. It was created in 1811 and opened to the public in 1892. It's fairly large, 2.8 km around, and quite hilly, so it makes for excellent running. Even better, the path that goes all the way around is well shielded from the traffic, you'll hardly notice it. There are some tennis courts, a BMX track, football pitches, a lido, a small botanic garden, and a cafe at the top of the hill, from where you can also get some great views of London. Recommended.